The Caribbean island will not arrest people for possessing less than two
ounces of cannabis, allowing Rastafari to use it for "religious purposes"

Jamaica, home of the cannabis-using Rastafari movement, is to decriminalise possession of the drug.

The Caribbean island, which has long been famous for its widespread production of "ganja", became the latest nation to relax its laws.

Possession of less than two ounces will become a non-arrestable offence punishable only by a ticket and fine.

Cannabis is pervasive in Jamaica and about 300 people a week currently receive criminal records after being caught with small amounts.

Mark Golding, Jamaica's Justice Minister, said: "Too many of our young people have ended up with criminal convictions after being caught with a 'spliff', something that has affected their ability to do things like get jobs and get visas to travel overseas."

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The government said it would also decriminalise the drug for medical, scientific and "religious" purposes.

That was seen as a major victory for the Rastafari, many of whom say they smoke cannabis as an aid to spiritual worship, and they will not now face prosecution.

Mr Golding said: "I wish to stress that the proposed changes to the law are not intended to promote or give a stamp of approval to the use of ganja for recreational purposes. The objective is to provide a more enlightened approach to dealing with possession of small quantities."

The changes are expected to come into force int he summer.

Jamaica is also considering expunging the convictions of people who already have criminal records for possession of small amounts.

Last year the South American nation of Uruguay legalised recreational use of cannabis, and the US states of Colorado and Washington have also done so.

Jamaica, which is currently a large illegal supplier of the drug to the US, ultimately hopes to cash in on an economic boom as more US states allow cannabis for medical purposes.

Ethan Nadelmann, director of the pro-legalisation Drug Policy Alliance based in New York, said: "I think it highly unlikely this will get a negative reaction from the Obama administration."